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Zambia strengthens trade ties with China through CIIE Release date: 2025-01-15 Source:China International Import Expo Bureau
Zambia, located in south-central Africa, has built a strong connection with the China International Import Expo (CIIE) over the years.
In 2019, Zambia became the only African country to serve as the guest country of honor at the 2nd CIIE. Two years later, during the opening of the 4th CIIE and Hongqiao International Economic Forum, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema delivered a video speech, praising the expo for providing a vital platform to help businesses from Zambia and other developing nations enter the global market.
Last year, as China and Zambia celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation, Zambian exhibitors participated in the CIIE for the seventh year in a row. Their exhibition area has grown for three years in a row, reflecting the increasing importance of the platform.
Zambia's mild climate and abundant wild bees create ideal conditions for producing high-quality wild honey. Alan Chanda, a Zambian honey producer, showcased his products at the 1st CIIE in 2018. Back then, Chanda noted that while the honey's quality was its biggest strength, its low brand recognition in China posed a challenge. Thanks to the CIIE, Zambian wild honey has gained increasing visibility in the Chinese market. At the 7th CIIE in 2024, Chanda returned to exhibit his products in the Africa section, expressing gratitude for the platform that brought Zambian wild honey to the tables of Chinese consumers.
A booth of Zambia's honey producer at the 7th CIIE. [Photo provided by related firm]
Nyawa Chipalabela, founder of Authentic Crafts Limited, attended the CIIE for the first time in 2024. This was also her first time visiting China.
Before coming, she participated in training programs by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a partner organization of the CIIE, which has helped nearly 300 small and medium enterprises from over 30 developing countries join the expo since its inception.
Through the CIIE, Chipalabela was able to introduce Zambian jewelry to Chinese buyers, hoping to find business partners and connect with end customers. She also explored other booths at the CIIE, saying, "The expo gathers many exhibitors, and by interacting with them, I've broadened my vision and ideas."
Map-shaped earrings from Namayo, a brand under Authentic Crafts Limited, are showcased at the 7th CIIE. [Photo/ Instagram of Namayo]
Chipoka Mulenga, Zambia's minister of commerce, trade and industry, also attended the 7th CIIE and the Hongqiao Forum. Speaking at a sub-forum, he emphasized Zambia's desire for mutually beneficial cooperation. "We seek partnerships based on equality, not one-sided assistance," he said.
In an interview, Mulenga highlighted Zambia's growing exports to China, particularly honey, made possible by China's zero-tariff policy on Zambian products. "China has shown true friendship by fostering shared prosperity and win-win cooperation," he remarked.
During the 7th CIIE, Mulenga also met with officials from China's Ministry of Commerce to discuss strengthening economic ties. Additionally, he attended a special investment promotion event in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, underlining Zambia's commitment to boosting trade with China.
To support 37 least-developed countries, including Zambia, in participating in the expo, the 7th CIIE introduced various measures, such as providing over 120 free exhibition booths and expanding the Africa section in the Food and Agricultural Products Exhibition Area. The Hongqiao Forum also hosted sub-forums to provide insights and recommendations for inclusive growth in least-developed countries.
The "Sustainable Development of Global South and China-Africa Cooperation" session of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum is held on Nov 5, 2024. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]
At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, China announced on Dec 1, 2024, it would start granting zero-tariff treatment to all products from least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China. Zambia is among the beneficiaries of this new policy, further boosting the competitiveness of its products in the Chinese market.
With the support of these favorable policies, Zambia's participation in the CIIE is set to grow even stronger. The country's unique products, from wild honey to handcrafted jewelry, are poised to shine brighter in China, symbolizing a partnership grounded in openness and shared prosperity.
By Zhao Guangmei
Sources: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News app, CMG News Radio, Study Times, China Youth Daily, International Financial News, International Business Daily, China Food Newspaper, jiemian.com, WeChat account: swbxwbgs